Rotatable car seat and base

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a rotatable car seat comprised of a base and a shell. The base includes a receiving portion and a backing portion. The seat shell includes a seat back and a seat bottom having a lower portion. The seat bottom is convex and interfaces with the receiving portion of the base. The seat shell is rotatable with respect to the base. The seat shell is selectively positionable between a plurality of orientations. Additionally provided are a features that allow for the effective use of a rotatable car seat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 17/503,827, filedOct. 18, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/993,365, filed Aug. 14, 2020, the disclosures of which are fullyincorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to car seats for use in motorvehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to car seatscomprised of a base and a mated seat shell attached to the base androtatable with respect to the base such that the seat shell isselectively positionable between a plurality of positions (e.g., arearward-facing position, a forward-facing position, an intermediateloading position).

BACKGROUND

In the United States, child car seats are required by law andrecommended for children of certain ages or sizes. There are many typesof car seats available for purchase. Infant car seats recommended forchildren under age 1 are typically rear-facing. Many infant car seatsinclude a base that is belted or tethered into the car and a seat thatmay latch into the base. A popular car seat option for infants as wellas children is a “convertible” car seat that may be oriented in arear-facing position and then “converted” to a front-facing position foraccommodating older children.

Conventional convertible car seats are typically designed in such a waythat the seat may be uninstalled and reinstalled into the base in orderto reposition the seat (e.g., to switch the orientation of the seat orthe recline of the seat).

BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are car seats. The car seats may be configured to beinstalled in an associated vehicle. The car seats may be installed inthe vehicle using a tether, such as a safety belt of the vehicle (e.g.,an existing lap belt of the vehicle) or a LATCH system provided with thecar seat. The car seats may be comprised of a base and a seat shell.

The base may include a receiving portion. The base may, in certainconstructions, further include a backing portion. The backing portionmay extend upwardly away from the receiving portion.

The seat shell may include a seat bottom. The seat bottom may interfacewith the receiving portion of the base. The seat shell may, in certainconstructions, further include a seat back. The seat back may extendupwardly away from the seat bottom. The seat shell may, in certainconstructions, include a lower portion. The lower portion may be part ofthe seat bottom. The lower portion of the seat bottom may interface withthe receiving portion of the base.

The seat shell may be removably attached to the base. The seat shell maybe rotatable with respect to the base such that the seat shell isselectively positionable between a plurality of positions (e.g., arearward-facing position, a forward-facing position, an intermediateloading position). In embodiments, the seat shell may specifically berotatable with respect to the base such that the seat shell isselectively positionable between at least the rearward-facing positionand the forward-facing position.

In particular embodiments, the receiving portion of the base may becurved or concave so as to at least partially define a bowl shape. Infurther embodiments, the lower portion of the seat shell may be curvedor convex so as to at least partially define a dome shape.

The receiving portion of the base may, in certain constructions, beshaped complementary to the lower portion of the seat shell so as toretard the ability for debris to enter between the seat shell and thebase as the seat shell is rotated with respect to the base.

In certain constructions, the car seat may include a recline mechanism.The recline mechanism may be part of the seat bottom. The reclinemechanism may be configured to permit the seat shell to recline withrespect to the base such that the seat shell is selectively reclinablebetween a plurality of positions (e.g., an upright position, afully-reclined position, an intermediate-reclined position). Inembodiments, the seat shell may specifically be reclinable with respectto the base such that the seat shell is selectively positionable betweenat least the upright position and at least one reclined position (e.g.,a fully-reclined position, an intermediate-reclined position).

The recline mechanism may, in certain embodiments, include at least oneelongate track. The track may be configured to receive a first rod ofthe seat shell therethrough. The first rod may be adapted for movementwithin the track as the seat shell is reclined with respect to the base.The recline mechanism may, in certain embodiments, further define aplurality of openings. Each of the plurality of openings may beconfigured to selectively receive a second rod of the seat shelltherethrough. Each of the plurality of openings may also define adiscrete recline position. Each of the plurality of openings may beconfigured to selectively receive the tube of the seat shelltherethrough for selectively positioning the seat shell in a discreterecline position. One of the plurality of openings may define theupright position. Another of the plurality of openings may define the atleast one reclined position.

In particular embodiments, a belt path may extend across the base. Thebelt path may be configured to receive a tether therealong. The beltpath may be positioned above the lower portion of the seat shell whenthe seat shell is in the forward-facing position. The belt path may alsobe positioned rearward of the lower portion of the seat shell when theseat shell is in the forward-facing position. The seat shell may berotatable and/or reclinable with respect to the base without interferingwith the belt path.

In exemplary embodiments, the car seat may include a projectionextending upwardly away from an inner surface of the receiving portionof the base. The car seat may further include an aperture in the lowerportion of the seat shell. The aperture may be configured to receive atleast a portion of the projection of the base therethrough. In other,alternative embodiments, the car seat may include a projection extendingoutwardly away from an outer surface of the seat bottom of the seatshell. The car seat may further include an aperture in the receivingportion of the base. The aperture may be configured to receive at leasta portion of the projection of the seat shell therethrough.

In certain constructions, the projection extending upwardly away from aninner surface of the receiving portion of the base may include apedestal. The projection may further include a post extending upwardlyaway from the pedestal. Further yet, the projection may include aplurality of flanges. The flanges may be spaced apart from one anotherabout the post. The flanges may extend outwardly away from the post. Incertain embodiments, the pedestal may be shaped so as to at leastpartially define a cone shape extending upwardly away from the innersurface of the receiving portion of the base such that any debris thathas collected between the seat shell and the base is retarded fromsubstantially encumbering rotation of the seat shell with respect to thebase.

In particular embodiments, an outer surface of the seat bottom mayinclude a recessed portion. The recessed portion may be shapedcomplementary to the pedestal of the projection. The pedestal of theprojection may be at least partially received in the recessed portion.The aperture in the lower portion of the seat shell may be shapedcomplementary to the post and the plurality of flanges of theprojection. The plurality of flanges and at least a portion of the postmay be received through the aperture.

In exemplary embodiments, the car seat may include an adjustableassembly mounted for sliding movement relative to the seat shell andselectively positionable with respect to the seat shell. The adjustableassembly may include at least a headrest member. The adjustable assemblymay further include a backrest member.

The car seat may, in certain embodiments, be configured to be installedin an associated vehicle using a tether (e.g., an existing safety beltof the associated vehicle, a lower anchor system). The car seat mayinclude a belt lock-off arm configured to engage (e.g., clamp and/ortension) the tether. The belt lock-off mechanism may be movable between(a) an unlocked position in which the belt lock-off arm does not engage(e.g., clamp and/or tension) the tether and (b) a locked position inwhich the belt lock-off arm engages (e.g., clamps and/or tensions) thetether. In embodiments, the belt lock-off arm may include an indicatorconfigured to indicate whether the belt lock-off arm is in the unlockedposition or the locked position.

The base may be configured to lock rotation of the seat shell withrespect to the base in the rearward-facing position and theforward-facing position.

In certain constructions, the base may include a first indicator on afirst side of the base. The base may further include a second indicatoron an opposite, second side of the base. Each of the first and secondindicators may be configured to indicate whether rotation of the seatshell is locked with respect to the base. In the same or otherconstructions, the seat shell may include an indicator configured toindicate whether rotation of the seat shell is locked with respect tothe base.

The car seat may also include a handle configured to unlock rotation ofthe seat shell with respect to the base. In certain constructions, afirst handle may be positioned on a first side of the seat shell. Asecond handle may be provided on an opposite, second side of the seatshell. The seat shell may include a locking projection on the lowerportion of the seat shell. The locking projection may be configured toengage with the base so as to lock rotation of the seat shell withrespect to the base in the rearward-facing position and theforward-facing position. Each of the first and second handles may beoperatively connected to the locking projection. Each of the first andsecond handles may be configured to independently move the lockingprojection out of engagement with the base so as to unlock rotation ofthe seat shell with respect to the base.

In particular embodiments, the car seat may include abutment features.In certain constructions, a first abutment feature may be located on thelower portion of the seat shell proximate a first side thereof. A secondabutment feature may be located on the lower portion of the seat shellproximate an opposite, second side thereof. Each of the first and secondabutment features may be configured to prevent full 360° rotation of theseat shell with respect to the base when the seat shell is in anintermediate-reclined position.

In exemplary embodiments, the seat shell may include a plurality ofengagement features. The base may include a plurality of receivingfeatures. The receiving features of the base may be shaped complementaryto the engagement features of the seat shell. Each of the plurality ofreceiving features of the base may be configured to engage acorresponding one of the plurality of engagement features of the seatshell to guide the seat shell into the rearward-facing position or theforward-facing position. A first one of the plurality of receivingfeatures of the base may be positioned within the receiving portion ofthe base and may be configured to engage a corresponding first one ofthe plurality of engagement features of the seat shell that ispositioned on the lower portion of the seat shell. A second one of theplurality of receiving features of the base may be positioned adjacentthe receiving portion of the base and may be configured to engage acorresponding second one of the plurality of engagement features of theseat shell that is positioned adjacent the lower portion of the seatshell.

In particular embodiments, the seat shell may further be selectivelypositionable in an intermediate position between the rearward-facingposition and the forward-facing position. The intermediate position may,in certain embodiments, be a predetermined position between therearward-facing position and the forward-facing position. In suchembodiments, the predetermined intermediate position may be defined byone or more detents and/or one or more engagement features. In suchembodiments, there are a finite number of intermediate positions intowhich the seat shell may be selectively positioned. In otherembodiments, the intermediate position may be any position between therearward-facing position and the forward-facing position such that theseat shell is freely positionable in the intermediate position. In suchembodiments, there are an infinite number of intermediate positions intowhich the seat shell may be selectively positioned. In certainconstructions, the base may include a first retainment feature on afirst side of the base. The base may also include a second retainmentfeature on an opposite, second side of the base. The seat shell mayinclude a first engagement feature at a forward end of the seat shell.The seat shell may further include a second engagement feature at anopposite, rear end of the seat shell. Each of the first and secondretainment features of the base may be configured to engage acorresponding one of the first and second engagement features of theseat shell to retain the seat shell in the intermediate position. Thefirst and second retainment locking features of the base may be formedas nubs or projections. The first and second engagement features of theseat shell may include an aperture or detent configured to at leastpartially receive a corresponding one of the nubs or projections.

In certain constructions, the car seat may include an upper tetheringpoint proximate an upper edge of the backing portion of the base. Theupper tethering point may be configured to remain stationary as the seatshell is rotated with respect to the base.

In accordance with the foregoing, disclosed in exemplary embodimentsherein are car seats. In accordance with particular embodiments of thepresent disclosure, an exemplary car seat comprises: a base including areceiving portion; a seat shell including a seat bottom having a lowerportion and a seat back extending upwardly away from the seat bottom,the seat bottom interfacing with the receiving portion of the base,wherein the seat shell is removably attached to the base and rotatablewith respect to the base such that the seat shell is selectivelypositionable between at least a rearward-facing position and aforward-facing position; and a recline mechanism in the seat bottom, therecline mechanism configured to permit the seat shell to recline withrespect to the base such that the seat shell is selectively reclinablebetween at least an upright position and at least one reclined position.

In accordance with other particular embodiments of the presentdisclosure, an exemplary car seat comprises: a base including areceiving portion; a seat shell including a seat bottom having a lowerportion and a seat back extending upwardly away from the seat bottom,the seat bottom interfacing with the receiving portion of the base,wherein the seat shell is removably attached to the base and rotatablewith respect to the base such that the seat shell is selectivelypositionable between at least a rearward-facing position and aforward-facing position; a locking projection on the lower portion ofthe seat shell and configured to engage the base to lock rotation of theseat shell with respect to the base in each of the rearward-facingposition and the forward-facing position; and a first handle positionedon a first side of the seat shell and a second handle positioned on anopposite, second side of the seat shell, each of the first and secondhandles operatively connected to the locking projection and configuredto independently move the locking projection out of engagement with thebase so as to unlock rotation of the seat shell with respect to thebase.

In accordance with other particular embodiments of the presentdisclosure, an exemplary car seat is configured to be installed in anassociated vehicle using a tether (e.g., an existing safety belt of theassociated vehicle, a lower anchor system). The car seat may comprise: abase including a receiving portion; a seat shell including a seat bottomhaving a lower portion and a seat back extending upwardly away from theseat bottom, the seat bottom interfacing with the receiving portion ofthe base, wherein the seat shell is removably attached to the base androtatable with respect to the base such that the seat shell isselectively positionable between at least a rearward-facing position anda forward-facing position; a projection extending upwardly away from aninner surface of the receiving portion of the base; and an aperture inthe lower portion of the seat shell, the aperture configured to receiveat least a portion of the projection therethrough.

Other aspects of the invention may be apparent to those of ordinaryskill with review of the attached drawings, appended claims, andadditional description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding thatthese drawings depict several examples in accordance with the disclosureand are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, thedisclosure is described with additional specificity and detail belowthrough the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a car seat in accordance with thedisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the car seat of FIG. 1 in aforward-facing position.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the car seat of FIG. 1 in the forward-facingposition.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the car seat of FIG. 1 in arearward-facing position.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the car seat of FIG. 1 in the rearward-facingposition.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the car seat of FIG. 1 in anintermediate position.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the car seat of FIG. 1 in the intermediateposition.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base of the car seat of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9A is a first side view of the base of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 9B is a second side view of the base of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a front view of the base of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the base of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 12 is a top view of the base of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the receiving portion of the base ofFIG. 8 .

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the seat shell of the car seat of FIG.1 .

FIG. 15A is a first side view of the seat shell of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 15B is a second side view of the seat shell of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is a front view of the seat shell of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the seat shell of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the seat shell ofFIG. 14 .

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the forward end of the lower portion ofthe seat shell of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the rear end of the lower portion ofthe seat shell of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 21 is a first side cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21′ ofFIG. 16 showing features of the recline mechanism.

FIG. 22 is a is a first side perspective cutaway view of the lowerportion of the seat shell of FIG. 14 showing features of the reclinemechanism.

FIG. 23 is a is a second side perspective cutaway view of the lowerportion of the seat shell of FIG. 14 showing features of the reclinemechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictatesotherwise. The illustrative examples described in the detaileddescription and drawings are not meant to be limiting and are forexplanatory purposes. Other examples may be utilized, and other changesmay be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subjectmatter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspectsof the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustratedin the drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed ina wide variety of different configurations, each of which are explicitlycontemplated and form a part of this disclosure.

It should be noted that some of the terms used herein may be relativeterms. For example, the terms “upper” and “lower” and the terms“forward” and “rearward” or are relative to each other in location, i.e.an upper component is located at a higher elevation than a lowercomponent in a given orientation, but these terms may change if thedevice is flipped. An intermediate component, on the other hand, isalways located between an upper component and a lower componentregardless of orientation. The terms “horizontal” and “vertical” areused to indicate direction relative to an absolute reference, i.e.ground level. However, these terms should not be construed to requirestructures to be absolutely parallel or absolutely perpendicular to eachother. For example, a first vertical structure and a second verticalstructure are not necessarily parallel to each other. The terms “top”and “bottom” or “base” are used to refer to surfaces where the top isalways higher than the bottom/base relative to an absolute reference,i.e. the surface of the earth. The terms “upwards” or “upwardly” and“downwards” or “downwardly” are also relative to an absolute reference;upwards is always against the gravity of the earth. The terms “forward”and “rearward” or “rear” with respect to a position or orientation areopposite one another along a common direction, and an “intermediate”position is always located between a forward position and a rearwardposition. The term “parallel” should be construed in its lay sense oftwo surfaces that maintain a generally constant distance between them,and not in the strict mathematical sense that such surfaces will neverintersect when extended to infinity. The terms “operative to” and“adapted to” and similar terms are used herein to describe that aparticular component has certain structural features designed to performa designated function. Such components should be construed as having theexpressed structure, with the designated function being considered partof the structure. The term “engage” and similar terms are used herein todescribe the interaction between particular components and does notnecessarily require that such components contact one another (directlyor indirectly). As used herein and as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, the term “car seat” encompasses car seats, safetyseats, restraints, boosters, and the like for children, infants, andtoddlers and the like.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, exemplary embodiments ofcar seats are illustrated in various levels of specificity in FIGS. 1-20. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the car seatsdescribed herein may be convertible car seats that are convertiblebetween a forward-facing configuration, a rearward-facing configuration,and a booster configuration. The car seats of the present disclosure maybe configured to support an infant, child, toddler, or the like. Verygenerally, car seat 10 is designed for safely transporting an infant orchild in a car. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the car seat 10 generallyincludes a seat shell 200, which is supported on a base 300. As will bereadily understood by those skilled in the art, the car seat 10 (and,namely, the base 300) may be affixed to the seat of a car, such as by aseat belt (e.g., lap belt) of the car.

As described in more detail herein, the seat shell 200 may be removablyattached to the base 300. Additionally, the seat shell 200 may berotatable with respect to the base 300. The seat shell 200 may berotated to be selectively positionable in a variety of differentpositions (e.g., e.g., a rearward-facing position, a forward-facingposition, an intermediate loading position).

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 depict the seat shell 200 supported on the base 300 ina forward-facing position. With reference to FIG. 3 , in theforward-facing position, a forward end 206 of the seat shell 200 and aforward end 306 of the base 300 face a common direction (e.g., towardthe forward end of the vehicle when installed), and a rear end 208 ofthe seat shell 200 and a rear end 308 of the base 300 face a commondirection (e.g., toward the rear end of the vehicle when installed).

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depict the seat shell 200 supported on the base 300 ina rearward-facing position. As can be readily understood with referenceback to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the seat shell 200 is rotated with respectto the base 300 about 180° between the forward-facing position (FIG. 2and FIG. 3 ) and the rearward-facing position (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 ). Putanother way, the seat shell 200 generally faces one direction in theforward-facing position and an opposite direction in the rearward-facingposition. With reference to FIG. 5 , in the rearward-facing position,the rear end 208 of the seat shell 200 and the forward end 306 of thebase 300 face a common direction (e.g., toward the forward end of thevehicle when installed), and the forward end 206 of the seat shell 200and the rear end 308 of the base 300 face a common direction (e.g.,toward the rear end of the vehicle when installed).

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 depict the seat shell 200 supported on the base 300 inan intermediate position. As can be readily understood with referenceback to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the seat shell 200 isrotated with respect to the base 300 about 90° between either theforward-facing position (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) or the rearward-facingposition (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 ) and the intermediate position (FIG. 6 andFIG. 7 ). Put another way, the seat shell 200 generally faces onedirection in the forward-facing position, an opposite direction in therearward-facing position, and a direction in between when in theintermediate position. With reference to FIG. 7 , in the intermediateposition, the forward end 206 of the seat shell 200 faces a directionbetween the forward end 306 of the base 300 and the rear end 308 of thebase 300 (e.g., such that, when installed, the forward end 306 of theseat shell is toward a side door between the forward and rear ends ofthe vehicle), and the rear end 208 of the seat shell 200 faces adirection between the forward end 306 of the base 300 and the rear end308 of the base 300 (e.g., such that, when installed, the rear end 308of the seat shell is away from the side door between the forward andrear ends of the vehicle when installed).

As may now be appreciated, the seat shell 200 may generally be rotatedwith respect to the base 300 between the forward-facing position and therearward-facing position as the base 300 remains installed andstationary in the vehicle. Further yet, the seat shell 200 may generallybe rotated any desired amount with respect to the base 300 (includingbeing rotated a full 360°). As may further be appreciated, the seatshell 200 is rotatable with respect to the base 300 to a variety ofintermediate positions between the forward-facing position and therearward-facing position. In this regard, it is specificallycontemplated that the seat shell 200 may be rotatable with respect tothe base 300 about 90° in both a clockwise direction and acounterclockwise direction to intermediate positions. In this way, thecar seat 10 is adapted to be usable on either the driver's side orpassenger's side of a vehicle and equally provides ease for a user toplace a child into the car seat from a side door of the vehicle with theseat shell 200 generally facing the user. For example, in theintermediate position illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , the seat shell200 generally faces the passenger's side door of the vehicle andadvantageously enables the user to quickly and easily place or remove achild from the car seat while facing the child.

FIGS. 8-13 illustrate various views of the base 300. Very generally, thebase 300 may support and stabilize the seat shell 200. The base 300 mayinclude a first side 302 and a second side 304 opposite the first side302. The base 300 may further include a forward end 306 and a rear end308 opposite the forward end 306.

In particular, the base 300 may include a receiving portion 310 and abacking portion 350. The receiving portion 310 of the base 300 maygenerally operate to support the seat shell 200 for rotation withrespect thereto. For example, at least a portion of the seat shell 200may be received by and/or within the receiving portion 310 of the base300. Put another way, the receiving portion 310 of the base 300 may beconfigured to interface with at least a portion of the seat shell 200.As can be best seen in FIGS. 8-10 , the backing portion 350 may extendupwardly away (i.e., in the direction of arrow 50) from the receivingportion 310, such as extending upwardly from the receiving portion 310proximate the rear end 308 of the base 300.

With particular reference to FIG. 8 , in this exemplary embodiment, thereceiving portion 310 of the base 300 is curved or concave so as to atleast partially define a bowl shape. In this way, the receiving portion310 of the base 300 generally defines a cavity 316 that is sized andshaped to receive at least a portion of the seat shell 200.

As described in detail herein, the base 300 is configured to lockrotation of the seat shell 200 with respect to the base 300. Inparticular, the base 300 is configured to lock rotation of the seatshell 200 with respect to the base 300 in each of the forward-facingposition (refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) and the rearward-facing position(refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 ).

In certain constructions, the base 300 may include one or moreindicators configured to indicate whether rotation of the seat shell 200is locked with respect to the base 300. As best seen in FIG. 9A, a firstindicator 303 may be positioned on the first side 302 of the base 300.Similarly, as best seen in FIG. 9B, a second indicator 305 may bepositioned on the opposite, second side 304 of the base 300. Each of thefirst and second indicators 303, 305 may be configured to indicatewhether rotation of the seat shell 200 is locked with respect to thebase 300 (e.g., particularly to indicate whether rotation of the seatshell 200 is locked in the forward-facing position or therearward-facing position). In particular, the first and secondindicators 303, 305 may be configured to visibly indicate whetherrotation of the seat shell 200 is locked with respect to the base 300.By way of non-limiting example, the first and second indicators 303, 305may be configured to give a visual indication in a first color (e.g.,red) when rotation of the seat shell 200 is unlocked with respect to thebase 300 and/or when the seat shell 200 is not in the forward-facingposition or the rearward-facing position, and the first and secondindicators 303, 305 may be configured to give a visual indication in asecond, different color (e.g., green) when rotation of the seat shell200 is locked with respect to the base 300 and/or when the seat shell200 is in the forward-facing position or the rearward-facing position.

With continued reference to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the base 300 mayinclude a belt path 312. The belt path 312 may be configured to receivea tether therealong (e.g., along a length of the base 300). In someembodiments, the tether can be an existing safety belt of a vehicle. Inother embodiments, the tether can be any other form of tether (e.g., atether provided with the car seat, a lower anchor system). The belt path312 may generally extend across the base 300. For example, it can beseen in FIGS. 9-11 that the belt path 12 generally extends from thefirst side 302 of the base 300 to the second side 304 of the base 300.With specific comparison between FIG. 3 (depicting the seat shell 200supported on the base 300 in the forward-facing position) and FIG. 9A,it can be seen that the belt path 312 is positioned above and rearwardof a lower portion 210 of the seat shell 200. This advantageously allowsthe seat shell 200 to be rotated and/or reclined with respect to thebase 300 without interfering with the belt path 312 and without any needto uninstall the base 300 or otherwise reroute or reposition the tetherwhen it is desired to rotate the seat shell 200 with respect to the base300. In addition, the seat shell 200 is readily removable or detachablefrom the base 300 without any need to uninstall or reinstall the base300 or otherwise reroute or reposition the tether.

With reference now to FIG. 12 , the backing portion 350 of the base 300may include an upper tethering point 356. The upper tethering point 356is generally designed to operate as a tether anchor. The upper tetheringpoint 356 may be positioned proximate an upper edge 352 of the backingportion 350 of the base 300. The upper tethering point 356 may beconfigured to remain stationary as the seat shell 200 is rotated withrespect to the base 300. This advantageously allows the seat shell 200to be rotated and/or reclined with respect to the base 300 withoutinterfering with the upper tethering point 356 and without any need touninstall the base 300 or otherwise reroute or reposition a tetherattached to the upper tethering point 356 when it is desired to rotatethe seat shell 200 with respect to the base 300. In addition, the seatshell 200 is readily removable or detachable from the base 300 withoutany need to uninstall or reinstall the base 300 or otherwise reroute orreposition a tether attached to the upper tethering point 356. As such,the car seat may advantageously remain constantly anchored via the uppertethering point 356 without interfering with rotation and/or reclinationof the seat shell 200 with respect to the base 300.

With continued reference to FIG. 12 , the cavity 316 of the receivingportion 310 of the base 300 can be more clearly seen. The cavity 316generally has an open or missing top face and is at least partiallydefined and bound by an inner surface 314 of the receiving portion 310of the base 300. As can be seen in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 , the receivingportion 310 of the base 300 may include a projection 320. The projection320 may extend upwardly away from the inner surface 314 of the receivingportion 310 of the base 300, such as extending upwardly from the innersurface 314 of the receiving portion 310 proximate a midpoint betweenthe first side 302 and the second side 304 of the base 300. That is, theprojection 320 may be positioned substantially centrally between thefirst side 302 and the second side 304 of the base 300. As can be seenin FIG. 12 , the projection 320 may generally be positioned closer tothe rear end 308 of the base 300 than the front end 306 of the base 300.As can be further seen in FIG. 12 , the projection 320 may generally beangled toward the front end 306 of the base 300. The angling of theprojection 320 may help ensure that as the seat shell 200 is rotatedwith respect to the base 300, the seat shell 200 remains engaged withand correctly angled (i.e., reclined) with respect to the base 300,including in both the rearward-facing and forward-facing positions.

The receiving portion 310 of the base 300 may include a support ledge358. The support ledge 358 may generally operate as a surface alongwhich at least a portion of the seat shell 200 travels as the seat shell200 is rotated with respect to the base 300, as described in detailherein. The support ledge 358 may be positioned radially inward of anouter edge of the receiving portion 310 of the base 300. As seen in FIG.12 and FIG. 13 , the support ledge 358 may generally be circular inshape and define an opening to the cavity 316 of the receiving portion310 of the base 300.

The receiving portion 310 of the base 300 may include one or moreretainment features. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 , afirst retainment feature 342 may be positioned on the first side 302 ofthe base 300. A second retainment feature 344 may be positioned on theopposite, second side 304 of the base 300. As best seen in FIG. 12 andFIG. 13 , the first and second retainment features 342, 344 may bepositioned on the support ledge 358. The first and second retainmentfeatures 342, 344 of the base 300 generally operate so as to retain theseat shell 200 in the intermediate position (refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). More specifically, as described in detail herein, each of the firstand second retainment features 342, 344 may be configured to engage atleast a portion of the seat shell 200 to retain the seat shell 200 inthe intermediate position. By way of non-limiting example, the first andsecond retainment features 342, 344 may be formed as nubs orprojections. Alternatively, the seat shell 200 could be formed withcorresponding nubs or projections and the first and second retainmentfeatures 342, 344 could be formed as detents or apertures configured toengage with the corresponding nubs or projections of the seat shell 200.

With continued reference to FIG. 12 , the base 300 may include one ormore receiving features. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 ,an upper receiving feature 330 may be positioned on the backing portion350 of the base 300. More specifically, the upper receiving feature 330may be positioned on the backing portion 350 of the base 300 proximatethe upper edge 352 of the backing portion 350 of the base 300. By way ofnon-limiting example, as may be best seen with reference back to FIG. 8and FIGS. 9A-B, the upper receiving feature 330 may be formed as a hook.In particular, the upper receiving feature 330 may be formed as adownward-pointing or downward-oriented hook (i.e., in the direction ofarrow 60 in FIG. 8 and FIGS. 9A-B). In certain constructions and as bestseen in FIG. 12 , the upper receiving feature 330 may also define theupper tethering point 356.

As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 , an intermediate receiving feature 331may be positioned proximate the rear end 308 of the base 300. Inparticular, the intermediate receiving feature 331 may be positionedproximate a location where the backing portion 350 of the base 300 meetsthe receiving portion 310 of the base 300. More specifically, theintermediate receiving feature 331 may be positioned proximate thesupport ledge 358 of the receiving portion 310 of the base 300. By wayof non-limiting example, the intermediate receiving feature 331 may beformed as a hook. In particular, the intermediate receiving feature 331may be formed as a downward-pointing or downward-oriented hook.

With continued reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 , a lower receivingfeature 332 may be positioned within the receiving portion 310 of thebase 300. In particular, the lower receiving feature 332 may bepositioned within the receiving portion 310 of the base 300 proximatethe rear end 308 of the base 300. More specifically, the lower receivingfeature 332 may be positioned within the receiving portion 310 of thebase 300 on one side of the belt path 312. By way of non-limitingexample, the lower receiving feature 332 may be formed as a hook. Inparticular, the lower receiving feature 332 may be formed as adownward-pointing or downward-oriented hook.

The upper, intermediate, and lower receiving features 330, 331, 332 ofthe base 300 generally operate so as to retain the seat shell 200 in theforward-facing position (refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) or therearward-facing position (refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 ). Morespecifically, as described in detail herein, each of the upper,intermediate, and lower receiving features 330, 331, 332 may beconfigured to engage at least a portion of the seat shell 200 to retainthe seat shell 200 in the forward-facing position or the rearward-facingposition.

As can be best seen in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 ,the base 300 may include a belt lock-off arm 500. The belt lock-off arm500 can be connected to the base 300. A proximal end of belt lock-offarm 500 may be connected to the base 300 on one side of the belt path312. In particular, as shown in FIG. 12 , the belt lock-off arm 500 maybe connected to the base 300 proximate the rear end 308 of the base 300.In this way, the belt lock-off arm 500 may be configured to extendacross the belt path 312. A distal end of the belt lock-off arm 500 maybe spaced apart from the proximal end of the belt lock-off arm 500. Thebelt lock-off arm 500 may be pivotally movable with respect to the base300 such that the distal end of the belt lock-off arm 500 is capable ofmoving toward and away from the base 300 (and, more particularly, towardand away from the belt path 312) between a locked position and anunlocked position. In certain non-depicted embodiments, the beltlock-off arm 500 may also be slidably movable with respect to the base300 such that the belt lock-off arm 500 is slidable into and out of thebase 300. The belt lock-off arm 500 may be slidable into and out of thebase 300 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the belt path312.

The belt lock-off arm 500 may generally operate so as to engage with(e.g., clamp, tension) a tether extending along the belt path 312 in alocked position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12 ). In embodiments, the beltlock-off arm 500 is configured to clamp the tether. In otherembodiments, the belt lock-off arm 500 is configured to tension thetether. In further embodiments, the belt lock-off arm 500 is configuredto clamp and tension the tether. More specifically, the belt lock-offarm 500 may be movable between (a) an unlocked position in which thebelt lock-off arm 500 is not configured to engage (e.g., clamp and/ortension) the tether of the associated vehicle, and (b) a locked positionin which the belt lock-off arm 500 is configured to engage (e.g., clampand/or tension) the tether of the associated vehicle. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, the belt lock-off arm 500 mayincrease the mechanical advantage in the system by using leverage toassist in clamping and/or tensioning the tether. This advantageouslydecreases the amount of force a user would otherwise be required toapply to clamp and/or tension the tether and likewise advantageouslydecreases the potential for an improper, unsafe, or otherwiseundesirable installation.

In certain constructions, the belt lock-off arm 500 may include one ormore indicators configured to indicate whether the belt lock-off arm 500is in the locked position. As best seen in FIG. 12 , an indicator 502may be positioned on an upper face of the belt lock-off arm 500. Theindicator 502 may be configured to indicate the belt lock-off arm 500 isin the locked position in which the belt lock-off arm 500 is configuredto engage (e.g., clamp and/or tension) the tether of the associatedvehicle. In particular, the indicator 502 may be configured to visiblyindicate whether the belt lock-off arm 500 is in the locked position. Byway of non-limiting example, the indicator 502 may be configured to givea visual indication in a first color (e.g., red) when the belt lock-offarm 500 is in the unlocked position and another visual indication in asecond, different color (e.g., green) when the belt lock-off arm 500 isin the locked position.

As can be best seen in FIG. 13 , the belt lock-off arm 500 may bedesigned to be generally U-shaped, although embodiments of the presentdisclosure are not so limited and the belt lock-off arm 500 may be ofany suitable size and shape. In this regard, when the belt lock-off arm500 is in the locked position (refer to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 ), the beltlock-off arm 500 may lie about (e.g., around) the projection 320. Morespecifically, in certain constructions, the belt lock-off arm 500 maylie within a recessed portion in the inner surface 314 of the receivingportion of the base 300. In this way, the projection 320 may extendupwardly away from the inner surface 314 of the receiving portion of thebase 300 above the belt lock-off arm 500, such that the belt lock-offarm 500 does not interfere with rotation and/or reclination of the seatshell 200 with respect to the base 300 as described in detail herein.Additionally, in the locked position, the belt lock-off arm 500 may lieabout the lower receiving feature 332.

As can be best seen in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 ,the projection 320 may include a pedestal 322. The pedestal 322 of theprojection 320 may extend upwardly from the inner surface 314 of thereceiving portion 310 of the base 310. In this way, the pedestal 322 ofthe projection 320 may be shaped so as to at least partially define acone shape (i.e., by tapering inwardly in diameter as the pedestal 322of the projection 320 extends away from the inner surface 314 of thereceiving portion 310 of the base 310). In this way, the pedestal 322 ofthe projection 320 may generally extend upwardly away from the innersurface 314 of the receiving portion 310 of the base 300. As a result,any debris that has collected between the seat shell 200 and the base300 may generally be prevented from interfering with the interfacebetween the seat shell 200 and the base 300. In this way, any debristhat accumulates between seat shell 200 and the base 300 may beprevented or retarded from substantially encumbering rotation of theseat shell 200 with respect to the base 300. The projection 320 mayfurther include a post 324. The post 324 of the projection 320 mayextend upwardly from the pedestal 322 of the projection 320. Theprojection 320 may further include one or more flanges 326. In theexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 , the projection 320includes a plurality of flanges 326. The flanges 326 of the projection320 may be spaced apart from one another about the post 324 of theprojection 320. The flanges 326 of the projection 320 may extendoutwardly away from the post 324 of the projection 320. In certainconstructions, the flanges 326 of the projection 320 may extendoutwardly away from the post 324 of the projection 320 on opposite sidesof the post 324. In particular embodiments, a first one of the flanges326 of the projection 320 may extend outwardly away from the post 324 ofthe projection 320 toward the first side 302 of the base 300, and asecond one of the flanges 326 of the projection 320 may extend outwardlyaway from the post 324 of the projection 320 toward the second side 304of the base 300. The flanges 326 of the projection 320 may be spacedapart from the pedestal 322 of the projection 320.

FIGS. 14-20 illustrate various views of the seat shell 200. Verygenerally, the seat shell 200 may support and stabilize an occupant(e.g., an infant or child) therein and/or thereon. The seat shell 200may include a first side 202 and a second side 204 opposite the firstside 202. The seat shell 200 may further include a forward end 206 and arear end 208 opposite the forward end 206. As described in detailherein, the seat shell 200 may be supported on the base 300, and theseat shell 200 may be rotatable with respect to the base 300 such thatthe seat shell 200 is selectively positionable in a variety of differentpositions (e.g., a rearward-facing position, a forward-facing position,an intermediate loading position). In particular, the seat shell 200 isselectively positionable in at least a forward-facing position (refer toFIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) and a rearward-facing position (refer to FIG. 4 andFIG. 5 ). As described in detail herein, the seat shell 200 may also beremovably attached to the base 300.

In particular, the seat shell 200 may include a seat bottom 209, a seatback 250, and a lower portion 210. The seat bottom 209 of the seat shell200 may generally operate as a seating surface for the occupant bysupporting and stabilizing the butt of the occupant. For example, anoccupant may be seated upon a top surface of the seat bottom 209 of theshell. As can be best seen in FIG. 14 and FIGS. 15A-B, the seat back 250may extend upwardly away (i.e., in the direction of arrow 50) from theseat bottom 209, such as extending upwardly from the seat portion 209proximate the rear end 208 of the seat shell 200. The seat bottom 209may interface with the receiving portion 310 of the base.

The seat shell 200 may include a lower portion 210. The lower portion210 may, in certain embodiments, be part of the seat bottom 209 and maybe integrally formed therewith. As described in detail herein, the lowerportion 210 may interface with the receiving portion 310 of the base300. As described in detail herein, the receiving portion 310 of thebase 300 may generally operate to support the seat shell 200 forrotation with respect thereto. For example, the lower portion 210 of theseat shell 200 may be received by and/or within the receiving portion310 of the base 300. Put another way, the lower portion 210 of the seatshell 200 may be configured to interface with the receiving portion 310of the base 300. In particular, the cavity 316 of the receiving portion310 of the base 300 may receive the lower portion 210 of the seat shell200.

With particular reference to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, in this exemplaryembodiment, the lower portion 210 of the seat shell 200 is curved orconvex so as to at least partially define a dome shape. In this way, thelower portion 210 of the seat shell 200 may be shaped complementary tothe concave, bowl-shaped receiving portion 310 of the base 300.Advantageously, the complementary shapes of the lower portion 210 of theseat shell 200 and the receiving portion 310 of the base 300 assists inretarding the ability for debris to enter between the seat shell 200 andthe base 300 as the seat shell 200 is rotated with respect to the base300. Constructing the car seat 10 such that debris is retarded fromentering between the seat shell 200 and the base 300 (e.g., such thatminimal or no debris gaps are defined between the seat shell 200 and thebase 300) ensures that rotation of the seat shell 200 with respect tothe base 300 can occur substantially unencumbered and without beingsubstantially impeded or retarded by debris that could otherwiseaccumulate between the seat shell 200 and the base 300. To assist inpreventing debris from entering the receiving portion 310 of the base300 and/or removing debris, the base 300 may include one or moreopenings or sets of openings 309. In certain embodiments, such openings309 may be defined in the support ledge 358 and/or proximate the supportledge 358, as can be best seen in FIG. 12 . In other, non-depictedembodiments, the base 300 may include one or more other mechanisms(e.g., wipers) configured to assist in the removal of debris from thereceiving portion 310 of the base 300, namely any debris that hasaccumulated near the projection 320.

As described in detail herein, the base 300 is configured to lockrotation of the seat shell 200 with respect to the base 300. Inparticular, the base 300 is configured to lock rotation of the seatshell 200 with respect to the base 300 in each of the forward-facingposition (refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) and the rearward-facing position(refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 ).

With reference now to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, the lower portion 210 ofthe seat shell 200 may include a locking projection 238. The lockingprojection 238 may extend outwardly away from the seat shell 200, suchas extending outwardly away from the rear end 208 of the seat shell 200proximate a location where the seat back 250 of the seat shell 200 meetsthe lower portion 210 of the seat shell 200. With reference to FIG. 18 ,the locking projection 238 may be positioned substantially centrallybetween the first side 202 and the second side 204 of the seat shell200. As described in detail herein, the locking projection 238 may beconfigured to be deflectable or movable between a locked position and anunlocked position. The locking projection 238 may be configured to bedeflectable or movable into the lower portion 210 of the seat shell 200.In particular, the locking projection 238 is configured to deflect ormove into and out of engagement with the base 300 so as to selectivelylock and unlock rotation of the seat shell 200 with respect to the base300. More specifically, the locking projection 238 may be biased (e.g.,spring-biased) outwardly into the locked position such that the lockingprojection 238 is configured to automatically lock rotation of the seatshell 200 with respect to the base 300 when the seat shell 200 is in theforward-facing position (refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) or therearward-facing position (refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 ). The lockingprojection 238 is generally configured such that it does not lockrotation of the seat shell 200 with respect to the base 300 when theseat shell 200 is in the intermediate position (refer to FIG. 6 and FIG.7 ).

With continued reference to FIGS. 15A-B and FIG. 16 , the seat shell 200may include one or more actuators or handles. In the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, the seat shell 200includes a first actuator or handle 262 positioned on the first side 202of the seat shell 200 and a second actuator or handle 264 positioned onthe opposite, second side 204 of the seat shell 200. More specifically,in this embodiment, the first and second handles 262, 264 are eachpositioned proximate an upper edge 252 of the seat back 250 of the seatshell 200. The first and second handles 262, 264 are each operativelyconnected to the locking projection 238. The first and second handles262, 264 generally operate so as to deflect or move the lockingprojection 238 out of engagement with the base 300 so as to unlockrotation of the seat shell 200 with respect to the base 300. Inparticular, the first and second handles 262, 264 may be configured toindependently move the locking projection 238 out of engagement with thebase 300 so as to unlock rotation of the seat shell 200 with respect tothe base 300. That is, in certain constructions, actuation of just oneof the first or second handles 262, 264 is sufficient to overcome thebiasing force acting upon the locking projection 238 and to move thelocking projection 238 out of engagement with the base 300 so as tounlock rotation of the seat shell 200 with respect to the base 300. Inthis way, the car seat 10 is adapted to be usable on either the driver'sside or passenger's side of a vehicle and equally provides ease for auser to actuate one of the first or second handles 262, 264 from a sidedoor of the vehicle. For example, this advantageously enables the userto quickly and easily actuate one of the first or second handles 262,264 without having to reach across the car seat or an occupant in thecar seat.

As seen in FIG. 16 , the car seat 10 may include an adjustable assembly400. The adjustable assembly 400 may include at least a headrest member.The adjustable assembly 400 may be mounted for sliding movement relativeto the seat shell 200. The adjustable assembly 400 may be selectivelypositionable with respect to the seat shell 200 (e.g., in a reclinedheadrest position). Additional features of the adjustable assembly aredisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/837,231, entitledAdjustable Headrest for Child Car Seat, the subject matter of which isincorporated herein by reference.

Turning now to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 , the lower portion 210 of the seatshell 200 may include an aperture 220. The aperture 220 may extendthrough the outer surface 216 of the lower portion 210 of the seat shell200. The aperture 220 may be configured to receive at least a portion ofthe projection 320 of the base 300 therethrough. In this way, the lowerportion 210 of the seat shell 200 may interface with the receivingportion 310 of the base 300, namely with the aperture 220 in the lowerportion 210 of the seat shell 200 interfacing with the projection 320 inthe receiving portion 310 of the base 300. As may now be appreciated,the base 300 may rotatably support the seat shell 200 with the outersurface 216 of the lower portion 210 of the seat shell 200 generallyjuxtaposed the inner surface 314 of the receiving portion 310 of thebase 300. As may now be appreciated, the seat bottom 209 (namely thelower portion 210 thereof) of the seat shell 200 may interface with thereceiving portion 310 of the base 300 via the aperture 220 in the lowerportion 210 of the seat shell 200 interfacing with the projection 320 inthe receiving portion 310 of the base 300. In alternative embodiments,it is contemplated that the interfacing structures of the seat bottom209 of the seat shell 200 and the receiving portion 310 of the base 300could be reversed. That is, it is specifically contemplated that incertain non-depicted embodiments, the receiving portion 310 of the base300 could be formed with an aperture that interfaces with a projectionof the seat bottom 209 of the seat shell 200.

As can be best seen in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17and FIG. 18 , the outer surface 216 of the lower portion 210 of the seatshell 200 may include a recessed portion 222. The recessed portion 222may extend inwardly from the outer surface 216 of the lower portion 210of the seat shell 200. As may be best seen in FIG. 18 with referencealso to FIG. 13 , the recessed portion 222 of the outer surface 216 ofthe lower portion 210 of the seat shell 200 may be shaped complementaryto the pedestal 322 of the projection 320 of the base 300. In this way,the pedestal 322 of the projection 320 may be at least partiallyreceived within the recessed portion 222. Put another way, at least aportion of the pedestal 322 of the projection 320 may be received withinthe recessed portion 222. As a result, the seat shell 200 may be bettersupported and stabilized on the base 300. Furthermore, the specificshapes of the recessed portion 222 and the pedestal 322 of theprojection 320 permit the seat shell 200 to be freely rotatable on thebase 300.

The aperture 220 may be positioned within the recessed portion 222. Inparticular, as may be best seen in FIG. 17 , the aperture 220 may becentrally positioned within the recessed portion 222. As may be bestseen in FIG. 17 with reference also to FIG. 13 , the aperture 222 in thelower portion 210 of the seat shell 200 may be shaped complementary tothe post 324 and the flange(s) of the projection 320 of the base 300. Inthis way, the post 324 and the flange(s) of the projection 320 of thebase 300 may be at least partially received through the aperture 220.Put another way, at least a portion of the post 324 and the flanges 326of the projection 320 may be received through the aperture 220. As aresult, the seat shell 200 may be better supported and stabilized on thebase 300.

The specific shapes of the aperture 220 and the post 324 and flange(s)326 of the projection 320 permit the seat shell 200 to be removable ordetachable from base 300. In particular embodiments, the aperture 220 isoriented at an angle with respect to the first and second sides 202, 204of the seat shell 200 (in comparison to the projection 320 illustratedin FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 , which includes flanges 326 that extendoutwardly away from the post 324 toward the first and second sides 302,304 of the base 300). As a result, in such embodiments, the seat shell200 is not removable or detachable from base 300 in either theforward-facing position or the rearward-facing position.

With reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 , the seat shell 200 may includeone or more engagement features. For example, as shown in FIG. 17 andFIG. 18 , an upper engagement feature 230 may be positioned proximatethe rear end 208 of the seat shell 200. In particular, the upperengagement feature 230 may be positioned on the seat back 250 of theseat shell 200. By way of non-limiting example, as may be best seen withreference to FIGS. 15A-B, the upper engagement feature 230 may be formedas a hook. In particular, the upper engagement feature 230 may be formedas an upward-pointing or upward-oriented hook (i.e., in the direction ofarrow 50 in FIGS. 15A-B).

A rear engagement feature 231 may be positioned proximate the rear end208 of the seat shell 200. In particular, the rear engagement feature231 may be positioned proximate the location where the seat back 250 ofthe seat shell 200 meets the lower portion 210 of the seat shell 200.More specifically, the rear engagement feature 231 may be positionedproximate the locking projection 238 on the lower portion 210 of theseat shell 200. By way of non-limiting example, as may be best seen withreference to FIGS. 15A-B and FIG. 19 , the rear engagement feature 231may be formed as a hook. In particular, the rear engagement feature 231may be formed as an upward-pointing or upward-oriented hook (i.e., inthe direction of arrow 50 in FIGS. 15A-B).

A forward engagement feature 234 may be positioned proximate the forwardend 206 of the seat shell 200. By way of non-limiting example, as may bebest seen with reference to FIGS. 15A-B and FIG. 19 , the forwardengagement feature 234 may be formed as a hook. In particular, theforward engagement feature 234 may be formed as an upward-pointing orupward-oriented hook (i.e., in the direction of arrow 50 in FIGS.15A-B).

A first lower engagement feature 232 may be positioned proximate therear end 208 of the seat shell 200. In particular, the first lowerengagement feature 232 may be positioned on the lower portion 210 of theseat shell 200 proximate the rear end 208 of the seat shell 200. Morespecifically, the first lower engagement feature 232 may be positionedbetween the rear engagement feature 231 and the aperture 220. By way ofnon-limiting example, as may be best seen with reference to FIGS. 15A-Band FIG. 20 , the first lower engagement feature 232 may be formed as ahook. In particular, the first lower engagement feature 232 may beformed as an upward-pointing or upward-oriented hook (i.e., in thedirection of arrow 50 in FIGS. 15A-B). It is to be understood that thefirst lower engagement feature 232 may be omitted in certainembodiments.

A second lower engagement feature 233 may be positioned proximate theforward end 206 of the seat shell 200. In particular, the second lowerengagement feature 233 may be positioned on the lower portion 210 of theseat shell 200 proximate the forward end 206 of the seat shell 200. Morespecifically, the second lower engagement feature 233 may be positionedbetween the forward engagement feature 234 and the aperture 220. Thatis, the second lower engagement feature 233 may be positioned on anopposite side of the aperture 220 from the first lower engagementfeature 232. By way of non-limiting example, as may be best seen withreference to FIGS. 15A-B and FIG. 19 , the second lower engagementfeature 233 may be formed as a hook. In particular, the second lowerengagement feature 233 may be formed as an upward-pointing orupward-oriented hook (i.e., in the direction of arrow 50 in FIGS.15A-B). It is to be understood that the second lower engagement feature233 may be omitted in certain embodiments.

In preferred embodiments, the engagement features of the seat shell 200are shaped complementary to the receiving features of the base 300. Inthis way, as described in detail herein, each of the receiving featuresof the base 300 is configured to engage a corresponding one of theengagement features of the seat shell 200 when the seat shell 200 is inthe rearward-facing position or the forward-facing position. Engagementbetween the receiving features of the base 300 and corresponding ones ofthe engagement features of the seat shell 200 assists in providingstructural integrity and stability to the car seat in certainsituations, such as when the car seat undergoes significant movement orimpact (e.g., during a car crash).

With reference back to FIG. 3 , it should be understood that, when theseat shell 200 is in the forward-facing position: (a) the upperengagement feature 230 of the seat shell 200 engages with the upperreceiving feature 330 of the base 300; (b) the rear engagement feature231 of the seat shell 200 engages with the intermediate receivingfeature 331 of the base 300; and (c) the first lower engagement feature232 of the seat shell 200 engages with the lower receiving feature 332of the base 300. In this way, interaction between these engagementfeatures 230, 231, 232 of the seat shell 200 and these receivingfeatures 330, 331, 332 of the base 300 assist in retaining the seatshell 200 into the forward-facing position in certain situations, suchas when the car seat undergoes significant movement or impact (e.g.,during a car crash). As can be further understood, when the seat shell200 is in the forward-facing position, the forward engagement feature234 of the seat shell 200 and the second lower engagement feature 233 ofthe seat shell 200 do not engage the base 300.

Conversely, with reference back to FIG. 5 , it should be understoodthat, when the seat shell 200 is in the rearward-facing position: (a)the forward engagement feature 234 of the seat shell 200 engages withthe intermediate receiving feature 331 of the base 300; and (b) thesecond lower engagement feature 233 of the seat shell 200 engages withthe lower receiving feature 332 of the base 300. In this way,interaction between these engagement features 233, 234 of the seat shell200 and these receiving features 331, 332 of the base 300 assist inretaining the seat shell 200 into the rearward-facing position incertain situations, such as when the car seat undergoes significantmovement or impact (e.g., during a car crash). As can be furtherunderstood, when the seat shell 200 is in the rearward-facing position,the upper engagement feature 230 of the seat shell 200, the rearengagement feature 231 of the seat shell 200, and the first lowerengagement feature 232 of the seat shell 200 do not engage the base 300.Additionally, when the seat shell 200 is in the rearward-facingposition, the upper receiving feature 330 of the base 300 does notengage the seat shell 200.

The rear and forward engagement features 231, 234 of the seat shell 200may be configured to generally travel along the support ledge 358 of thebase 300 as the seat shell 200 is rotated with respect to the base 300.More specifically, the rear and forward engagement features 231, 234 ofthe seat shell 200 may be configured to travel just above or on top ofthe support ledge 358 of the base 300 as the seat shell 200 is rotatedwith respect to the base 300.

As may be best seen in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 , the rear engagement feature231 of the seat shell 200 may include a detent or aperture 231 a. Theforward engagement feature 234 of the seat shell 200 may also include adetent or aperture 234 a. The apertures 231 a, 234 a of the rear andforward engagement features 231, 234 may be configured to engage withthe base 300 as the seat shell 200 is rotated with respect to the base300. In particular, the apertures 231 a, 234 a of the rear and forwardengagement features 231, 234 may be configured to engage with the base300 as the seat shell 200 is rotated with respect to the base 300 andthe rear and forward engagement features 231, 234 travel along thesupport ledge 358 of the base 300. More specifically, each of theapertures 231 a, 234 a of the rear and forward engagement features 231,234 may be configured to engage with a corresponding one of the firstand second retainment features 342, 344 of the base 300 (e.g., on thesupport ledge 358 of the base 300).

When the seat shell 200 is in an intermediate position facing a firstdirection, the aperture 231 a of the rear engagement feature 231 engagesthe first retainment feature 342 of the base 300 and the aperture 234 aof the forward engagement feature 234 engages the second retainmentfeature 344 of the base 300. When the seat shell 200 is rotated to anintermediate position facing an opposite, second direction, the aperture234 a of the forward engagement feature 234 engages the first retainmentfeature 342 of the base 300 and the aperture 231 a of the rearengagement feature 231 engages the second retainment feature 344 of thebase 300. In this way, interaction between the apertures 231 a, 234 a ofthe rear and forward engagement features 231, 234 of the seat shell 200and the first and second retainment features 342, 344 of the base 300retain the seat shell 200 in the intermediate position(s). A user maythen apply a relatively small amount of force to rotate the seat shell200 out of the intermediate position(s). That is, actuation of thehandle is not necessary (or even useful) to overcome the interactionbetween the engagement features of the seat shell 200 and the retainmentfeatures of the base 300 and rotate the seat shell 200 out of theintermediate position(s).

Although the engagement features of the seat shell 200 are describedherein as including a detent or aperture that engages with acorresponding retainment feature of the base 300 that is in the form ofa projection or nub, it should be understood that these structures couldbe reversed. That is, the rear and forward engagement features of theseat shell 200 could be formed with projections or nubs and theretainment features of the base 300 could be formed as detents orapertures that engage the projections or nubs of the engagementfeatures.

With reference now to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 , the lower portion 210 of theseat shell 200 may include one or more abutment features. In theexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 , the lowerportion 210 of the seat shell 200 includes a first abutment feature 203positioned on the first side 202 of the seat shell 200 and a secondabutment feature 205 positioned on the opposite, second side 204 of theseat shell 200. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first andsecond abutment features 203, 205 are each positioned proximate theforward end 206 of the seat shell 200. The first and second abutmentfeatures 203, 205 generally operate so as to prevent rotation of theseat shell 200 with respect to the base 300 when the seat shell 200 isin a reclined position (e.g., a partially or intermediate-reclinedposition). In particular, the first and second abutment features 203,205 may be configured to prevent rotation of the seat shell 200 withrespect to the base 300 when the seat shell 200 is in any of a pluralityof reclined positions (e.g., a partially or intermediate-reclinedposition). More specifically, the first and second abutment features203, 205 may be configured to prevent rotation of the seat shell 200with respect to the base 300 when the seat shell 200 is any reclinedposition except for a fully-reclined position. That is, in certainembodiments, the seat shell 200 may be configured to freely and fully(i.e., a full 360°) rotate with respect to the base 300 when the seatshell 200 is in the fully-reclined position. In particular embodiments,when the seat shell 200 is reclined with respect to the base 300 betweenthe upright position and the fully-reclined position, such as in anintermediate-reclined position, the seat shell 200 may be prevented fromfreely and fully (i.e., a full 360°) rotating with respect to the base300. Rather, in such particular embodiments, in theintermediate-reclined position, the seat shell 200 may only be capableof rotating about 90° in either direction with respect to the base 300.For example, in certain embodiments, when the seat shell 200 is in apartially reclined rearward-facing position (refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5), the seat shell may need to be placed in an upright position (e.g., asshown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 with respect to the forward-facing position)before the seat shell 200 can be fully rotated with respect to the base300 into the forward-facing position. Placing the seat shell into theupright position before rotating the seat shell 200 with respect to thebase 300 may help to ensure that the upper engagement feature 230 of theseat shell 200 is capable of engaging with the upper receiving feature330 of the base 300.

Turning now to FIGS. 21-23 , the seat shell 200 may include a reclinemechanism 240, which is also labeled in FIG. 16-20 . FIG. 21 is across-sectional view taken along line 21-21′ of FIG. 16 and showingfeatures and details of the recline mechanism 240, and FIG. 22 and FIG.23 are first and second side cutaway views, respectively, in which theouter surface 216 of the lower portion 210 of the seat shell 200 hasbeen removed to show additional features and details of the reclinemechanism 240. The recline mechanism 240 may generally operate so as topermit the seat shell 200 to be reclinable with respect to the base 300.In particular, the seat shell 200 may travel (e.g., slidably orotherwise) along a reclination path (e.g., an arcuate reclination path)defined by the recline mechanism 240. In this way, the complementaryshapes of the lower portion 210 of the seat shell 200 and the receivingportion 310 of the base 300 may advantageously assist in smooth travelof the seat shell 200 as the seat shell 200 is reclined with respect tothe base 300. In particular embodiments, the recline mechanism 240 mayassist in ensuring that a substantially constant gap is maintainedbetween the lower portion 210 of the seat shell 200 and the receivingportion 310 of the base 300 such that the interface between the seatshell 200 and the base 300 is maintained as the seat shell 200 isrotated and/or reclined with respect to the base 300, including as theseat shell 200 is rotated with respect to the base 300 while in areclined position or upright position. This advantageously allows theseat shell 200 to be reclined and/or rotated with respect to the base300 without any need to remove or detach the seat shell 200 from thebase 300 or to uninstall or reinstall the seat shell 200 onto the base300, including allowing the seat shell 200 to be rotated with respect tothe base 300 while in a reclined position or upright position.

The recline mechanism 240 may be formed as a part of the seat bottom 209of the seat shell 200. In particular, the recline mechanism 240 may beformed as a part of the lower portion 210 of the seat bottom 209 of theseat shell 200. The recline mechanism 240 may, in certain constructions,be integrally formed with the seat shell 200. In certain constructions,the recline mechanism 240 may include the aperture 220, as may be bestseen in FIG. 22 . In this way, the recline mechanism 240 may besupported on the base 300 (e.g., on the projection 320 in the receivingportion 310 of the base 300). The recline mechanism 240 may therefore beat least partially disposed within the receiving portion 310 of the base300 when the seat shell 200 is attached to the base 300.

As may be best seen in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 , the recline mechanism 240may be arcuate. Put another way, the recline mechanism 240 may generallybe shaped similarly to the lower portion 210 of the seat shell 200 andmay be convex. At least some of the engagement features of the seatshell 200 may connect to and extend outwardly away from the reclinemechanism 240. The recline mechanism 240 may generally extend fromproximate the forward end 206 of the seat shell 200 to proximate therear end 208 of the seat shell. The recline mechanism 240 may generallybe positioned approximately centrally between the first side 202 and thesecond side 204 of the seat shell 200. In certain constructions, therecline mechanism 240 may be positioned between the first and secondabutment features 203, 205. In embodiments, the first and secondabutment features 203, 205 are not directly connected to or positionedon the recline mechanism 240.

The recline mechanism 240 generally includes at least one track. The atleast one track is generally formed as an elongate track such that amechanism inserted therein or therethrough may generally travel alongthe elongate track. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21and FIG. 22 , the recline mechanism 240 includes four tracks. In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the tracks are defined in first andsecond arcuate bars 244 a, 244 b that are spaced apart from one another.In particular, each of the first and second bars 244 a, 244 b define apair of tracks. For example, first bar 244 a defines track 242 aproximate the forward end 206 of the seat shell 200 and track 242 cproximate the rear end 208 of the seat shell 200, as may be best seen inFIG. 22 and FIG. 23 . Similarly, second bar 244 b defines track 242 bproximate the forward end 206 of the seat shell 200 and track 242 dproximate the rear end 208 of the seat shell 200. In this exemplaryembodiment, tracks 242 a and 242 c are positioned proximate the firstside 202 of the seat shell 200, and tracks 242 b and 242 d arepositioned proximate the second side 204 of the seat shell 200.Moreover, tracks 242 a and 242 b are generally positioned directlyacross from one another (e.g., equidistantly spaced between the forwardand rear ends 206, 208 of the seat shell 200), and tracks 242 c and 242d are likewise generally positioned directly across from one another(e.g., equidistantly spaced between the forward and rear ends 206, 208of the seat shell 200). In this way, rod 246 a generally extends throughtracks 242 a and 242 b, and rod 246 b generally extends through tracks242 c and 242 d.

The track(s) of the recline mechanism 240 is configured to receive a rodtherethrough. The rod is adapted for movement within the track as theseat shell 200 is reclined with respect to the base 300. For example,with reference again to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 , tracks 242 a and 242 breceive rod 246 a therethrough, and tracks 242 b and 242 c receive rod246 b therethrough. Rod 246 a is adapted for movement within tracks 242a and 242 b (i.e., by moving along tracks 242 a and 242 b toward andaway from the forward and rear ends 206, 208 of the seat shell 200).Similarly, rod 246 b is adapted for movement within tracks 242 c and 242d (i.e., by moving along tracks 242 c and 242 d toward and away from theforward and rear ends 206, 208 of the seat shell 200). The rod(s) movingwithin the track(s) advantageously allows the seat shell 200 to bereclined with respect to the base 300 without any need to remove ordetach the seat shell 200 from the base 300 or to uninstall or reinstallthe seat shell 200 onto the base 300.

The recline mechanism 240 generally defines a plurality of openings 248.Each of the plurality of openings 248 generally operates such that amechanism inserted therein or therethrough is retained therein. Inparticular, each opening 248 or pair of openings 248 may define adiscrete recline position for the seat shell 200 (e.g., an uprightposition, a fully-reclined position, an intermediate-reclined position).For example, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21 and FIG.22 , eight openings are defined, which corresponds to four discreterecline positions (e.g., an upright position, a fully-reclined position,and two intermediate-reclined positions). Generally, the one or moreopenings (e.g., pair of openings) defined at one of the extreme ends ofthe openings corresponds to and defines an upright position, and the oneor more openings (e.g., pair of openings) defined at the oppositeextreme end corresponds to and defines a fully-reclined position. Theremaining openings (e.g., pairs of openings) disposed between theextreme ends correspond to and define intermediate-reclined positions.Each of the intermediate-reclined positions and the fully-reclinedposition may all be considered reclined positions.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 , therecline mechanism 240 includes a first set of openings 248 a and asecond set of openings 248 b, as may be best seen in FIG. 22 . In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the first and second sets of openings248 a, 248 b are defined in the first and second arcuate bars 244 a, 244b, respectively. In particular, each of the first and second bars 244 a,244 b define a set of openings. For example, first bar 244 a defines thefirst set of openings 248 a, with individual ones of the openings beingspaced apart from one another between the forward end 206 of the seatshell 200 the rear end 208 of the seat shell 200. Similarly, second bar244 b defines the second set of openings 248 b, with individual ones ofthe openings being spaced apart from one another between the forward end206 of the seat shell 200 and the rear end 208 of the seat shell 200.

The openings 248 of the recline mechanism 240 are configured to receivea tube therethrough. For example, with reference again to FIG. 22 andFIG. 23 , openings 248 a′ and 248 a″ receive tube 249 a therethrough,and openings 248 b′ and 248 b″ receive tube 249 b therethrough. Tubes249 a and 249 b are each adapted to retain the seat shell 200 in aselected one of the reclined positions as determined by which opening(s)into which the tube is inserted. The tube(s) of the recline mechanism240 may generally be operatively connected to an actuator (not shown)that is selectively controlled by a user to disengage the tube from anopening of the recline mechanism 240 so as to recline the seat shell 200with respect to the base 300. In this way, the amount of recline of theseat shell 200 with respect to the base 300 can be selectivelycontrolled, and the seat shell 200 can be selectively reclinable into aplurality of positions (e.g., an upright position, a fully-reclinedposition, one or more intermediate-reclined positions).

While particular exemplary embodiments have been described, it is notintended that the claims be limited thereto, as it is intended that theclaims be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that thespecification be read likewise. That is, the foregoing description ofspecific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of thedisclosure that others may, by applying knowledge within the skill ofthe art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications suchspecific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departingfrom the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, suchadaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning andrange of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teachingand guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that thephraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description andnot of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of thepresent specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan inlight of the teachings and guidance.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that thecomponents, method steps and materials illustrated above may be variedby substitution of equivalent components, steps and materials capable ofperforming the same functions. It will also be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art that sizes and strengths of the components maybe scaled up or down as required for specific purposes. The claimshereof are intended to encompass all such equivalent components, methodsteps and scales.

What is claimed:
 1. A rotatable car seat, comprising: a seat shell, theseat shell comprising: a seat bottom having a lower portion, a seat backextending upwardly away from the seat bottom, and an engagement feature;and a base, the base comprising: a receiving portion, wherein the seatshell is rotatable with respect to the base such that the seat shell isselectively positionable between at least a rearward-facing position anda forward-facing position, a backing portion extending upwardly awayfrom the receiving portion, a first indicator on a first side of thebase and a second indicator on an opposite, second side of the base,each of the first indicator and the second indicator are configured toindicate whether rotation of the seat shell is locked with respect tothe base, an upper tethering point proximate an upper edge of thebacking portion of the base, the upper tethering point configured toremain stationary as the seat shell is rotated with respect to the base,and a receiving feature, the receiving feature shaped complementary tothe engagement feature of the seat shell, wherein the receiving featureis configured to engage the engagement feature when the seat shell is inthe forward-facing position.
 2. The rotatable car seat of claim 1,wherein the engagement feature is positioned at a rear of the seat back.3. The rotatable car seat of claim 2, wherein the engagement feature isan upward-oriented hook.
 4. The rotatable car seat of claim 3, whereinthe receiving feature is a downward-oriented hook.
 5. The rotatable carseat of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the seat bottom lowerportion is convex forming at least a portion of a dome shape.
 6. Therotatable car seat of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of thereceiving portion is concave forming at least a portion of a bowl shape.7. The rotatable car seat of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of thereceiving portion is shaped complimentary with at least a portion of theseat bottom lower portion.
 8. The rotatable car seat of claim 1, whereinthe seat shell further comprises an adjustable assembly having aheadrest, wherein the adjustable assembly is slidably mounted to seatback and capable of selectively positioning the headrest with respect tothe seat back.
 9. The rotatable car seat of claim 1, wherein the basefurther comprises a belt lock-off arm.
 10. The rotatable car seat ofclaim 9, wherein the belt lock-off arm is comprised of a proximal endpivotally joined to the base such that a distal end of the belt lock-offarm is capable of moving toward and away from the base.
 11. Therotatable car seat of claim 10, wherein the belt lock-off arm isU-shaped.
 12. The rotatable car seat of claim 9, wherein the base iscomprised of an inner surface having a recessed portion, the recessedportion capable of receiving at least a portion of the belt lock-off-armwhen in a locked configuration.
 13. The rotatable car seat of claim 9,wherein the base further comprises a belt lock-off arm indicator havinga first indicia and a second indicia, the belt lock-off arm indicator isconfigured to give a visual indication when the belt lock-off arm is ina locked configuration.
 14. The rotatable car seat of claim 13, whereinthe first indicia is a green visual indicia and the second indicia is ared visual indicia, such that the green visual indicia is the visualindication when the belt lock-off arm is in the locked configuration.15. The rotatable car seat of claim 1 further comprising a reclinemechanism, the recline mechanism is capable of selectably reclining theseat shell relative to the base between at least an upright positon andat least one reclined position.
 16. The rotatable car seat of claim 1,wherein the base further comprises a belt pathway, the belt pathwayextending from a first side of the base to a second side of the base.17. The rotatable car seat of claim 16, wherein the belt pathwaycomprises a first aperture extending through at least the receivingportion of the base proximate the first side and a second apertureextending through at least the receiving portion of the base proximatethe second side.
 18. The rotatable car seat of claim 16, wherein thebelt pathway is positioned above and rearward of at least a portion ofthe seat shell lower portion.
 19. The rotatable car seat of claim 1,wherein the base further comprises a first retainment on a first side ofthe base at the receiving portion and a second retainment on a secondside of the base at the receiving portion.
 20. The rotatable car seat ofclaim 19, wherein the first retainment is a protrusion extending fromthe receiving portion and the second retainment is a protrusionextending from the receiving portion.
 21. The rotatable car seat ofclaim 1, wherein the base further comprises a lower receiving featurepositioned within or adjacent the receiving portion of the base.
 22. Therotatable car seat of claim 21, wherein the lower receiving feature is adownward-oriented hook.
 23. A rotatable car seat, comprising: a seatshell, the seat shell comprising: a seat bottom, a seat back extendingupwardly away from the seat bottom, and an engagement feature; and abase, the base comprising: a receiving portion, wherein the seat shellis attached to the base and rotatable with respect to the base such thatthe seat shell is selectively positionable between at least arearward-facing position and a forward-facing position, a backingportion extending upwardly away from the receiving portion, an uppertethering point proximate an upper edge of the backing portion of thebase, the upper tethering point configured to remain stationary as theseat shell is rotated with respect to the base, and a receiving feature,the receiving feature shaped complementary to the engagement feature ofthe seat shell, wherein the receiving feature is configured to engagethe engagement feature when the seat shell is in the forward-facingposition.
 24. A rotatable car seat, comprising: a seat shell, the seatshell comprising: a seat bottom, and a seat back extending upwardly awayfrom the seat bottom; and a base, the base comprising: a receivingportion, wherein the seat shell rotatable with respect to the base suchthat the seat shell is selectively positionable between at least arearward-facing position and a forward-facing position, a backingportion extending upwardly away from the receiving portion, a beltlock-off arm comprised of a proximal end pivotally movable with respectto the base such that a distal end of the belt lock-off arm is capableof moving toward and away from the base, and a belt pathway extendingbetween a first side of the base and a second side of the base, the beltpathway comprising a first aperture extending through the receivingportion of the base proximate the first side and a second apertureextending through the receiving portion of the base proximate the secondside.